St. Turibius

Fourth annual back to school event

Pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers, crayons, backpacks and other back to school essentials were distributed to 65 school children ages 5 to 18 on July 29, 2014.

"The kids were really excited about getting the backpacks," said Barbara Lakomiak, event coordinator and president of District IX. "And with the extra money this year from the St. Vincent de Paul Tools for Success Program and St. John Brebeuf in Niles, we were able to give them everything on their school list."

35 Vincentians, children and teens helped out including client-friend Kathy Velazquez and her six children. They have been helping Barbara out every year. "Whenever Barb calls and needs help with something, we jump for her. My kids know that if it weren't for Barb and St. Vincent de Paul, there are times we wouldn't have a meal," Velazquez said.

Barbara, wanting no recognition for her efforts quietly goes about procuring all of the school supplies from discount vendors and online resources. "I do it for the kids," she says.

Six conference members from St. John Brebeuf in Niles were also on hand to help out including Bob and Joan Czerlanis. "When we were looking for other parishes to twin with, we chose St. Turibius because we were very impressed with their food pantry operations and what Barb does here. The whole district works well together," Bob said.

St. Turibius is located at 5646 South Karlov Avenue in Chicago. To learn more or to donate please call 312.655.7182.

St. Gilbert

Vincentians and parishioners from St. Gilbert Parish host first mobile food pantry event

Fresh produce, meats, and non-perishable food items were given to 146 people, representing 544 family members in Grayslake and its surrounding communities on June 28, 2014.

"Serving over 100 people on the first event is considered a successful day," said the driver of the Northern Illinois Food Bank's mobile pantry.

Funds raised through a special collection at the church provided the $1200 needed to bring the mobile food pantry to St. Gilbert's Parish for a day. The people receiving the food were extremely grateful both for the assistance and the kindness shown to them by the members of St. Gilbert's conference.

St. Gilbert Parish is located at 301 East Belvidere Road in Grayslake, Illinois. To learn more about the mobile food pantry or to make a donation, please call 312.655.7183.